Manyspined ctenopoma (Ctenopoma multispine)

Scientific name: Ctenopoma multispine Peters, 1844

The Manyspined ctenopoma (Ctenopoma multispine) is a freshwater fish of the family Anabantidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–27°C (75–81°F).

Manyspined ctenopoma care at a glance

Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

Biology

Occurs in vegetated riverine backwaters, floodplain lagoons, swamps and isolated pans. Feeds on any suitably small creature, including insects, shrimps, and small fish. Well camouflaged; hunts by slowly stalking prey. May congregate in groups to breed. The eggs are scattered around and not guarded. Can endure warm stagnant waters and is known to leave the water and move overland to alternative sites in wet weather or at night.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Ctenopoma multispine
Family: Anabantidae (Climbing gouramies)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 14.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 7.5; dH range: 5 - 20 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Africa: Lufira River, Lualaba-Upemba, Luapula-Moero in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Upper Zambezi in Zambia and Cubango-Okovango-Ngami in Angola and Botswana. Also known from the Kafue, rivers of coastal Mozambique, Cuanza, and southern tributaries of the Congo system.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial; bait: occasionally
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)